John Mara initiated Giants' decision to bench Eli Manning

The New York Giants are dealing with the fallout from their decision to bench franchise quarterback Eli Manning in a lost season. Team president and CEO John Mara spoke to the media and revealed he and Manning had a discussion Wednesday morning.

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Many around the league have expressed their disgust with the Giants’ decision to bench Manning, a decision that Mara had a hand in along with general manager Jerry Reese and head coach Ben McAdoo.

Mara said in his impromptu press conference Wednesday that he suggested to both Reese and McAdoo to take a look at the other quarterbacks. He also hoped Manning would continue to start the games, an offer the veteran declined.

Mara said a few weeks ago he mentioned to Jerry Reese the team should be thinking about getting a look at QBs Geno Smith and Davis Webb. Mara hoped Eli would agree to start the games and then come out.

In order to keep Manning’s consecutive start streak alive, they offered the 37-year-old the option to continue starting games but be pulled later in the game in favor of Geno Smith and/or rookie Davis Webb.

Manning, being the competitor everyone in New York loves, he declined the offer, feeling it would tarnish the integrity of the streak.

Mara also said that he and Manning had an emotional talk Wednesday morning.

John Mara on Eli Manning: "I don't think you should be writing his obituary just yet." The two had an emotional talk this morning.

The Giants are facing extreme backlash for their decision to bench the quarterback that has started every game since Nov. 21, 2004. The backlash has come from fans, analysts and players that used to don Big Blue the uniform.